Best way to prime a new external filter?

[DanMac]

Hi guys i should be getting a new jbl e700 in a few hours to replace my current e700 (my current one doesnt run properly due to a stupid mistake i made when i first got it)

Whats the best way to get it started?, should i fill it up with water manually and then turn it on, or should i use the primer to fill it and then turn it on?

Either way i will be squeezing my old sponges into the filter to transfer the bacteria before i switch it on.

Cheers.

 

[Alastair]

Hi Dan

Just make sure its all connected correctly and the outlet is above water when priming. Pump the lever a couple of times and leave it to fill then once its stopped filling just turn on.

 

[Andy Thurston]

As Alastair says, unless the hand primer is useless then i suck the outlet to get it going

 

[DanMac]

So i should sqeeze the sponges into the actual tank when its all running, rather then into the filter?

and keep both of the levers open when priming?

 

[Andy Thurston]

I'd just put one of the old sponges in the new filter for a week or so. If the new filter is going on a mature tank there should be plenty bacteria in the water, on the plants, gravel, glass etc
And yes both levers open. I only close my taps when cleaning filters but some people use them to reduce flow for smaller tanks

 

[Alastair]

If the media in your current filter is the same as the new one just swap it out and yes both levers open

 

[DanMac]

Im good to go then, Cheers for the quick response guys, I cant wait to have good water flow again🙂

 

[roadmaster]

I usually fill the intake tubing/hose with tank water with disconnect's closed.
I then open the disconnect's and water from filled tube start's the water moving and bubbles escape through spray bar/lily pipe as canister fill's.
When all bubbles have stopped, I then plug the filter in and it's off and running.
I only have to prime it when I take the hoses to sink for cleaning.

 

[Andy Thurston]

I usually fill the intake tubing/hose with tank water with disconnect's closed.
I then open the disconnect's and water from filled tube start's the water moving and bubbles escape through spray bar/lily pipe as canister fill's.
When all bubbles have stopped, I then plug the filter in and it's off and running.
I only have to prime it when I take the hoses to sink for cleaning.

I tried this once only to discover the closed taps don't fit through the cutouts in cabinet, one day I'll get round to making them bigger

 

[Andy D]

If the media in your current filter is the same as the new one just swap it out and yes both levers open

I would agree. Just swap the media straight over and save the rest for spairs.

 

[DanMac]

WOW now thats what im talking about!.

The flow of this is incredible, to the point where i think i may need to slow it down a little,if i were to do that should i close both of the levers slightly?, do they have to be at a perfectly even point?

 

[Andy Thurston]

Just the one on the outlet of the filter

 

[DanMac]

Cheers mate, this has restored faith in my tank,i knew the flow would be better but not by this much🙂

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

then i suck the outlet to get it going

I do that as well, let the filter fill up with water under gravity and then suck on the outlet tube, and plug the filter in.

cheers Darrel